AGAINST the backdrop of a prorogued Parliament and uncooperative opposition political parties seeking to stymie Guyana’s progression into First World development, President Donald Ramotar last evening announced that general and regional elections would be held in Guyana on May 11.

Major players within the Private Sector have collectively welcomed this announcement, and have called for a climate of integrity, professionalism and transparency to prevail during the period at

the hustings.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Mr Ramesh Persaud, in simple terms, had this to say: “We are happy that a date has been set”. Persaud added that the announcement has deleted uncertainty from the Private Sector’s planning as business entities, and has removed uncertainty in the execution of their operations.”

He concluded his comments saying: “We look forward to the competition in the election to deal with the issues, and (we expect that everyone would) go light on the rhetoric and make sure that, in their campaign, we have a unified Guyana.”

Endorsing the PSC Chairman’s sentiments, Vice-Chairman of that Commission, businessman Mr Edward Boyer, called for parties to display a level of maturity and respect the campaigning of their counterparts. He accordingly urged all parties to ensure that their campaigns are executed in a peaceful manner.

Head of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mr Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento, was happy at this recent political development. He told this publication that he was extremely pleased at the President’s announcement, and termed it a manifestation of the President’s commitment to the Guyanese populace to announce a date early this year.

“The President has honoured his pledge to the Guyanese people,” the tourism official said, adding that a high level of professionalism is expected during the election period.

Briefly commenting on the issue, major stakeholder in the Private Sector, and former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia said: “The wait is over!” and added that it is time the country “get it on with” and take this step which would take the nation out of political stalemate.

Former Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr Maniram Prashad, issued a resounding call to all parties and stakeholders in the electoral process to not only respect the outcome of the elections, but the local and international observers who all make up the engineering body of the electoral process.

The strong statements made by President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), Mr Ramesh Dookhoo, sought to promote the need for integrity, professionalism and transparency to prevail during the elections period.

While noting that politicians have, for quite some time now, neglected the expected level of professionalism, Dookhoo stressed that while

they are “not setting a good example” for the populace, the politicians remain hell-bent on retaining their “consistent rancour”, which he said is polluting the political environment.

To this extent, he highlighted the importance of respecting the rights of citizens to align themselves with any political party of their choice, without having to face repercussions.